Brewster is fine, even happy. He signed as a free agent with the Jacksonville Jaguars.Jacksonville is only two hours from his home in Orlando, Fla. “This was the team I wanted to go to more than the other 31,” Brewster said. “I’m probably one of the happiest dudes in the draft. Some dudes made a ton of money, but I can’t put a value on how much I love my home state.”

Still, Brewster said he felt “a little disrespected” that no team valued him enough to draft him.

So what happened? How did a four-year starter at Ohio State and 2010 Rimington Award finalist as the nation’s best center not be among the 253 players drafted?

Part of the issue was his position. Only five centers were taken in the draft. Michigan’s David Molk, the 2011 Rimington winner, went in the seventh round.

“Center is a unique position, kind of like safety,” said former OSU All-America center LeCharles Bentley, who helped Brewster train for the draft. “Unless you’re the No. 1 or 2 guy, you’re not going to be drafted highly, if at all.”

An NFL source said that Brewster graded as a late-round pick.

“His measurables and everything are OK,” he said. “They’re not outstanding, but they’re not (bad).”

He added that Brewster’s “body explosion,” measured by jumping drills, was subpar. That could indicate difficulty in driving tacklers out of the way.

ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said Brewster wasn’t as athletic as players such as Wisconsin’s Peter Konz (second round) or Georgia’s Ben Jones (fourth), and that teams were a bit wary of his short arms.

Brewster had a somewhat disappointing senior season, no doubt affected by the turmoil and lack of continuity that defined the Buckeyes’ season. He had trouble making shotgun snaps consistently.

“It was up and down,” Bentley said of Brewster’s 2011 play. “I think his play was indicative of what was going on around the program.”

But Bentley said it was “absurd” to think Brewster isn’t athletic enough to play in the NFL.

“He’s everything you’d want in an offensive lineman,” Bentley said. “He understands angles. He understands the concept of what it takes to get a particular block done. He’s a smart football player. He’s feisty.”

The draft slight should make him hungrier.

“Michael has always been in a situation where he’s been comfortable,” Bentley said. “Coming out of high school as a five-star player, everyone wants you. At Ohio State, you were the starter (as a freshman). Nobody really forced you to get better. You were never put in an uncomfortable situation. It was easy to get by with what you had. But now you’ve got to dig.”

Brewster believes the Jaguars are an ideal fit, and not just because of geography. Brad Meester is a 12-year veteran from whom Brewster can learn. The only other center on the roster is John Estes, a second-year undrafted player.

Plenty of undrafted centers have had long careers. Brewster is determined to be another one.

“Just more people that I get to prove wrong,” he said. “I think it’s an exciting challenge.”